kerfed trim system?

[Grant Gunderson]

We are in the process of finishing the design on a second home build down in Sedona. Our GC recommended we use a kerfed trim system instead of standard door / window casing and base boards.

It seems like it produces a nice clean look, but before we commit to it, what are the downsides? I’ll fly down next week to look at our flooring / trim options, but want to educate myself on them before I go.

 

[billconner]

It's largely an aesthetic choice. I hadn't heard this term before but in fact I recently completed converting a unfinished garage into a studio and did something very similar. No casing - just butted drywall to jambs with J bead and used bullnose corner bead for all outside corners. I get a lot of compliments and I like it. I don't know if all kerfed trim systems use bullnose, but seems like the best part.

I do think painting and repainting might have some challenges but maybe no different than traditional trim.

If you do it, please post pictures.

 

[Bert_]

I think it's a cost saving method more than anything. Would not be my cup of tea

 

[Just_Steve]

Never heard of it, just looked up.......Not only no but hell no.

 

[The Cobbler]

to each their own. it's not for me

 

[Stuart in MN]

I had to look it up as well, but wasn't able to find a definitive answer - there were several different styles that were all called kerfed trim. Can you post a picture showing an example of what you're talking about? From your description it sounds like you maybe mean the style where the drywall sort of dies into the window and door frames, so there's no visible wood trim. That can look good, but I think it's also more susceptible to getting beat up, especially around doors.

 

[billconner]

This was my image. I'll try to take a picture of my studio with my version later today. As I said, I like it's contemporary and clean feel.

 

[readhead]

I’m not sure about savings. What you don’t spend on case and base you will spend on the drywall finisher. I did several jobs like this back in San Diego.

You will have to have the jambs modified unless you can do that yourself. The jambs have to be installed before drywall which means the doors will have to be stored in a safe place. It can be a bit tedious but the result is pretty good if that is your taste.

 

[Stuart in MN]

This was my image. I'll try to take a picture of my studio with my version later today. As I said, I like it's contemporary and clean feel.

That looks good as long as it fits the house's design - for instance it would look funny in a Victorian. In a modern or Southwest themed house it would be more appropriate. I'll stick with my earlier concern that it may be more susceptible to scrapes and dents that are more difficult to repair, compared to a standard wood trim.

 

[LXCam]

That looks good as long as it fits the house's design - for instance it would look funny in a Victorian. In a modern or Southwest themed house it would be more appropriate. I'll stick with my earlier concern that it may be more susceptible to scrapes and dents that are more difficult to repair, compared to a standard wood trim.

My first home was built in 58 and all lathe and plaster. This is exactly how it was finished out and all the remolding I did required I match it. My place all had 1-1/8" radius so I made a trowel out of cut up conduit.

Grant, we liked it but it also matched the style of the house. For our current place it'd never flow all though everything is bullnose.

BTW, if you're up for lunch or a coffee sometime let me know when you're in town. I don't live far from it.

Cam

 

[billconner]

That looks good as long as it fits the house's design - for instance it would look funny in a Victorian. In a modern or Southwest themed house it would be more appropriate. I'll stick with my earlier concern that it may be more susceptible to scrapes and dents that are more difficult to repair, compared to a standard wood trim.

Agree. I picked it for it's contemporary and clean lines look. I find the bullnose much more resistant to bumps and such than square corner bead (and more tolerant of diy taping).

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I had to look it up as well, but wasn't able to find a definitive answer - there were several different styles that were all called kerfed trim. Can you post a picture showing an example of what you're talking about? From your description it sounds like you maybe mean the style where the drywall sort of dies into the window and door frames, so there's no visible wood trim. That can look good, but I think it's also more susceptible to getting beat up, especially around doors.

I’m hoping to get a better idea of the trim options and photos on Tuesday. There seems to be a few variants.

I’m not sure about savings. What you don’t spend on case and base you will spend on the drywall finisher. I did several jobs like this back in San Diego.

You will have to have the jambs modified unless you can do that yourself. The jambs have to be installed before drywall which means the doors will have to be stored in a safe place. It can be a bit tedious but the result is pretty good if that is your taste.

As much as cost savings would be nice I agree it seems to come out as a wash.

That looks good as long as it fits the house's design - for instance it would look funny in a Victorian. In a modern or Southwest themed house it would be more appropriate. I'll stick with my earlier concern that it may be more susceptible to scrapes and dents that are more difficult to repair, compared to a standard wood trim.

It’s going to be a bit southwest and a bit modern influenced. For the large wall of windows are doing capitalize on the views it’s probably the best way to go for them.

My first home was built in 58 and all lathe and plaster. This is exactly how it was finished out and all the remolding I did required I match it. My place all had 1-1/8" radius so I made a trowel out of cut up conduit.

Grant, we liked it but it also matched the style of the house. For our current place it'd never flow all though everything is bullnose.

BTW, if you're up for lunch or a coffee sometime let me know when you're in town. I don't live far from it.

Cam

Cam id be down to grab lunch for sure. Zero time on this weekends trip, however once things really get going I’ll be heading down a lot to do our owner inspection, make decisions, etc for the lady friend, as it’s way more difficult for her to make last minute trips with her work schedule. I just told her that I’m not going to make any finishing decisions (I know better as a guy!) especially as this is very much her dream project and I’m along for the ride. It’s going to be really nice to have an escape during rain season in the PNW to go ride bikes once it’s all done.